Forgoes a realistic flight model in favor of faster, arcade-like gameplay to increase its accessibility to newer players
The player can also choose Novice or Expert control settings; the latter enables the player to execute realistic aircraft maneuvers such as rolls and high-g turns
The game features 28 different aircraft, with an additional three as downloadable content and the F-4E Phantom II offered as a pre-order bonus
As with previous entries in the series, most of the aircraft are licensed from the real-world, although a set of fictional superplanes are also included
Players earn an in-game currency ("MRP") via the single-player campaign and the multi-player modes to purchase additional aircraft and equipment through a tech tree